Europe’s waterways were this week buzzing with activity as lines like Scenic, Viking and Avalon restarted their engines.  Scenic has resumed its river cruising in style on the Duoro River in Portugal.

Scenic is operating eight and 11-day round-trip sailings out of Porto, with Scenic Azure ready for passengers from Europe and the UK.   To share the celebrations Scenic have taken this video of the first sailing out of Porto, the passengers masks can’t hide their smiles as they sail through the beautiful colonial buildings of Portugal.

The highlights of the eight-day itineraries include a canoeing excursion through the Pinhao River, a private evening concert at the Sao Francisco Church and visit to the wonderous Mateus Palace. The 11-day itinerary is more gourmet focused, with a series of spectacular wine tasting, a sweet almond workshop and visits to local bakeries only the beginning of the gastronomic experiences.

Guests will soon also be welcome to begin river cruising with Scenic in France, with cruises beginning at the end of August.

See more: scenic.com.au/river-cruises

It’s been good news for river cruising all around, with Viking resuming its river cruise operations in France with itineraries that glide you through the Seine and Rhone rivers to iconic destinations such as Paris, Normandy and Lyon, finally open for passengers.

Viking first restarted its ocean operations in May with sailings in England, before resuming for American customers in Bermuda and Iceland in June.  The resumption of French river cruising is the latest milestone.

Torstein Hagen, the Chairman of Viking said: “Throughout the last year, we have heard consistently from our guests that France is at the top of their travel list, so we are delighted that our river vessels are once again sailing in this beloved destination.”
“My daughter, Karine and I have just spent time on board our new Longships that dock in the heart of Paris – and I believe our guests will be very pleased with this elegant new way to discover the ‘City of Light’.”

See more: vikingrivercruises.com.au/

Avalon Waterways is offering a sale on some Christmas itineraries for December 2022. Some examples:

Vienna to Nuremberg 
Dates: November and December 2022 itineraries
Price: $2593pp (down from $3,943)

This cruise starts out in Austria’s capital Vienna, where a local guide will take you to all the best sights and you can indulge in the Christmas markets. Through the rest of your cruise you’ll see the snow-coated landscapes of Wachau Valley, the Benedictine Abbey, get guided tours of Germany’s architecture and cuisine and plenty more as you get an authentic European Christmas experience.

Nuremberg to Basel
Dates: December 2022 itineraries

Price: $4,758 (down from $6,108)

A journey that will take you through the Main Danube Canal and the Main and Rhine rivers, this Nuremberg to Basel 10 day cruise is another great itinerary to make your white Christmas dreams come true. You’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg, learn some traditional German baking, walk the romantic roads of Wurzburg and so much more across ten days of snowy excitement.

See more: avalonwaterways.com.au/

If vaccine take-up goes according to plan, Australians could be taking up these cabins in the first half of next year.